For the first time in Yukon’s history, a majority of women have been elected to the Legislative Assembly, outnumbering men. The recent election saw 11 women and one non-binary MLA elected, comprising 57% of the legislature. Lindsay Brumwell, from Equal Voice, a charity advocating for gender equality in Canadian politics, expressed delight at this outcome, praising Yukon for leading the way in Canada.
Brumwell highlighted the significance of local communities valuing leadership qualities over gender, resulting in this milestone. Similar progress has been observed in other regions, such as British Columbia and the Northwest Territories, where women achieved significant representation in recent elections.
During the campaign, a record number of women participated, with 27 women and one gender diverse person running for office, representing 46% of candidates. Brumwell emphasized that having more women in office can lead to the development of stronger policies that benefit all members of society.
Yvonne Clarke, re-elected as a Yukon Party MLA, expressed pride in being part of the first female-majority legislature in the territory. She emphasized the importance of advancing gender equality and called for increased funding for NGOs under the Yukon Women’s Coalition to support initiatives promoting women’s health, poverty reduction, and violence prevention.
Linda Moen, NDP MLA-elect for Mountainview, stressed the need for sustained funding for organizations like the Yukon Women’s Coalition, highlighting their ongoing financial challenges. Despite progress, Brumwell noted that women still face self-doubt regarding their qualifications for public office, emphasizing the importance of community support and encouragement.
Clarke and Moen shared their experiences of receiving support during their campaigns and highlighted the need for leaders to actively encourage women to run for office. Clarke emphasized the importance of engaging with high school students to inspire future leaders. Moen underscored the significance of Indigenous women’s representation and leadership, indicating that their presence in political spaces sends a powerful message of empowerment and inclusivity.
